• A Vietnamese exploration team discovered and initially explored Ban Phuc in 1959-1963. Surface and underground investigations entailed 12.5 km of diamond drilling, 3.1 km of adits and crosscuts, 1.0 km of exploration shafts, trenching and over 8,000 assays for nickel and over 4,000 for copper.
• The Ban Phuc Project is a high grade massive sulphide nickel development by Ban Phuc Nickel Mines Limited in which ASN has a 90% interest.
• Feasibility Study completed in November 2005.
• BPNML has achieved two of the four steps required to secure Vietnamese Mining license. License expected to be obtained by end of first quarter of 2007.
• Project construction start-up planned for mid 2007.
• Production planned for 2008.
• Strong local community and government support for the Project (local residents own remaining 10%).
• BPNML also has a 150 sq kilometre exploration licence (currently the subject of an extension application) on land immediately adjacent to the Project. Read more about ASN's Exploration.

Project Infrastructure:

• Major paved roads & modern bridges
• Hydro-electric power (220 Kva)
• Unlimited process water available
• Navigable water reservoir next to Project
• Easy access to Chinese markets
• Established major rail and ocean ports
• Workforce is educated and increasingly English speaking

More related information:

Read ASN's Ban Phuc Independent Geology Report - March 2005 (PDF Format, 1.4 MB)

Read ASN's Ban Phuc Feasibility Study - November 2005 (PDF Format, 5.2 MB)